Portugal Euro 2016 team profile: Cristiano Ronaldo leads an exciting young squad in France

World ranking: 8

How they qualified: Portugal sealed their place at Euro 2016 in emphatic fashion, topping qualifying group I while only losing the one game. Indeed, the Fernando Santos-coached side finished seven points ahead of second-placed Albania.

Fixtures: Group F – Portugal (14 June), Austria (18 June), Hungary (22 June)

Squad –

Goalkeepers: Rui Patrício, Anthony Lopes, Eduardo

Defenders: Vieirinha, Cédric, Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho, Bruno Alves, José Fonte, Eliseu, Raphael Guerreiro

Midfielders: William Carvalho, Danilo Pereira, Joao Mario, Renato Sanches, Adrien Silva, Andre Gomes, Joao Moutinho

Forwards: Rafa Silva, Ricardo Quaresma, Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo, Eder

Expectations: Portugal boast a hugely talented squad but have failed to deliver at big tournaments over the last decade. If they are to make a meaningful impact in France, Cristiano Ronaldo will need some help from his supporting cast. Much is expected of young players like Renato Sanches – who recently signed for Bayern Munich – and fellow midfielder Andre Gomes.

Manager: Although he is not especially well-known outside of Portugal and Greece, Fernando Santos is a successful and experienced coach at both club and international level. He successfully guided Portugal through qualifying for Euro 2016 and will be plotting an upset win in France this summer.

Prediction: Semi-final - Portugal face a tricky-looking route to the last four of the tournament, but they boast the necessary talent to go far in the competition. Assuming Ronaldo can stay fully fit and the likes of William Carvalho and Joao Mario perform to their potential, they will be a danger to whoever they face.